Red Wings' Helm promoted; Lightning's Filppula returns

After a back injury limited him to one game since the 2011-12 season, Helm enjoyed a triumphant return to the Detroit lineup Nov. 2 against the Edmonton Oilers. The center scored his first goal since March 9, 2012 at 5:09 into the game and was credited with the game-winner in the 5-0 victory. Two nights later, he visited his hometown when the Red Wings lost on the road 4-2 against the Winnipeg Jets.

Helm played 7:46 against the Jets, but he should see a sizeable increase in his ice time with Weiss out of the lineup. In Detroit's morning skate Saturday, Helm centered the second line between Daniel Alfredsson and Tomas Tatar as the Red Wings prepare to face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night.

"I think it's coming around," Helm said. "Each game I'm starting to fit in a little bit, get a little more comfortable with everything. I think I still got a little ways to go."

The game Saturday will be a homecoming of sorts for two prominent members of the Lightning. Former Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula returns to Detroit for the first time since signing during the summer with the Lightning. Filppula spent seven seasons with the Red Wings and won the Stanley Cup in 2008.